Director, Operations – New Attraction Development & Projects

Director, Operations – New Attraction Development & Projects

Universal Parks & Resorts is comprised of Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, Universal Studios Singapore, as well as a new destination coming in Beijing, China. We are a universe of opportunities for people who have a lot to offer. It takes a special kind of person to work at all of our destinations. An individual who knows how to be part of a team. Someone with a sense of fun who’s serious about their work. A person who knows it doesn’t take magic to put a smile on a guest’s face… it takes hard work, dedication, knowledge and just the right amount of Universal attitude. Universal’s theme parks offer exactly the kind of vacation families crave – bringing together popular culture’s most compelling stories, characters and adventures to create some of the world’s most innovative and entertaining attraction experiences. These are immersive, next-level, adventures such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, outrageously fun attractions such as Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and highly themed, authentic experiences based on cutting-edge television, such as Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon. We embrace the power of cultural diversity and inclusion and continuously strive to maintain a team that is a reflection of our global audience. Universal Parks & Resorts adheres to ‘The Universal Way’ by not just meeting guest expectations, but exceeding them, every time. Join us if you want to collaborate, innovate, develop, and deliver the most compelling entertainment experiences imaginable that drive growth for the Universal brand around the world. Universal Parks & Resorts provides world-class entertainment destinations with signature theme parks that create unparalleled entertainment.

JOB SUMMARY: Shares responsibility with Creative team for the planning and implementation of new Attractions for all divisions of Operations. Manages full life cycle projects including design, construction, staffing, commissioning, training and grand opening operations. Serves as a liaison between creative and the operation to ensure that all creative intent meets operational needs. Oversee the Manager of Operations Projects in overseeing discretionary and capital projects. Also manages the Attractions Scheduling Team in addition to all operational aspects of the Universal Express program.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

In collaboration with Universal Creative, design new attractions and attraction updates that meet ASTM, OSHA, and Universal specifications while ensuring that all operational needs are met for all operational support groups. Responsible for reviewing Ride Technology, Facility Design Drawings/Packages and Operational Training Materials creation. Attends and provides operational input for final design reviews with ride designers and engineers.

Manage the opening of new venues. Includes overseeing staffing, training material creation, commissioning plans, and collaboration with Marketing Events, and Public Relations team to ensure a smooth opening. Instrumental in planning of venue closure for Creative Obsolescence work and for new Attraction Development. Manages staff relocation, announcement plan, and salvage plan.

Is responsible for the development of the Manager of Operations Projects and provides leadership to the projects team. This includes oversight of Ops capital and discretionary life cycle projects. Ensures that projects are funded and adhering to schedule while ensuring that the scope of work is prioritized and completed properly to deliver a strong finished project to our customers.

Oversees the Attractions Administration Team including the scheduling team. Scheduling team provides time card review and scheduling for all Attractions Team Members. Administration Team provides administrative support for all Management Team, including ordering and procuring supplies and consumable goods for department and maintaining local team member files.

Oversees the Universal Express program, including technology management, auditing program, and daily operational support of the Express product.

SCOPE: High level of decision-making. Influences decisions requiring high degree of tact. Budget management is essential. High level of operational planning. Strong focus on scheduling, and projecting future milestones. Interacts with several senior level executives regularly. Confidentiality and integrity are of the utmost importance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Presentation / Facilitation Skills: Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and large group situations to clients, and other employees of the organization.

Knowledge of ASTM, and OSHA policy, and ability to interpret internal procedures.

EXPERIENCE: 7-10 years attractions or project management experience or related operational experience with at least 1 – 3 years in a senior management or leadership role required; or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Works closely with Universal Creative, Technical Services, Engineering, IT, and all Operations groups. Domestic and international travel is required.

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Parks & Resorts via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Parks & Resorts HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Parks & Resorts. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Parks & Resorts as a result of the referral or through other means.